2-3 Page Essay about The Evolution of The Film Industry
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Evolution of the Film Industry: From Silent Films to Streaming Services
The film industry has undergone a remarkable evolution since its inception, with advancements in technology, changes in audience preferences, and shifts in distribution methods shaping its trajectory. From the early days of silent films to the rise of streaming services, this essay will explore the key milestones and transformations that have defined the evolution of the film industry.
Early Beginnings: Silent Films and the Birth of Cinema
The film industry traces its roots back to the late 19th century when the Lumière brothers first exhibited their short films to audiences in Paris. These early films were silent, relying on visual storytelling to captivate viewers. The advent of sound in film, with the release of “The Jazz Singer” in 1927, marked a significant turning point in the industry. Suddenly, movies became an immersive experience, enhancing the storytelling capabilities and expanding the possibilities for cinematic expression.
The Golden Age of Hollywood: Studio System and Blockbuster Era
During the mid-20th century, Hollywood emerged as the epicenter of the film industry. The studio system dominated this era, with major studios like MGM, Paramount, and Warner Bros. controlling all aspects of film production, distribution, and exhibition. This centralized control allowed studios to churn out a vast number of films, creating a golden age of Hollywood.
The studio system also gave rise to the star system, where charismatic actors and actresses became icons and drew audiences to theaters. This era saw the emergence of legendary figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, and Audrey Hepburn.
Furthermore, Hollywood experienced the boom of blockbuster films during this period. Epics like “Gone with the Wind,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “The Godfather” captivated audiences worldwide, becoming cultural touchstones that defined generations.
Technological Advancements: From Color to CGI
Technological advancements have played a crucial role in shaping the film industry. The introduction of Technicolor in the 1930s brought vibrant color to the screen, enhancing visual storytelling and immersing viewers in cinematic worlds. The advent of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in the 1990s revolutionized special effects, allowing filmmakers to create fantastical creatures and breathtaking landscapes with unprecedented realism.
Additionally, advancements in film formats have impacted the industry. The transition from celluloid film to digital filmmaking has democratized the medium, making it more accessible to aspiring filmmakers and reducing production costs. Digital distribution has also transformed how films reach audiences, with online platforms providing new avenues for independent filmmakers to showcase their work.
The Rise of Streaming Services: A New Era for Film Consumption
The 21st century has witnessed a seismic shift in how films are consumed. The rise of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ has disrupted traditional distribution models. Audiences can now enjoy a vast library of films and TV shows from the comfort of their homes at any time they choose. This shift has challenged the dominance of theatrical releases and altered viewing habits.
Streaming services have also opened doors for diverse content that may have struggled to find its place within the traditional Hollywood system. Independent films, international productions, and underrepresented voices now have greater visibility and reach through these platforms.
Conclusion
The evolution of the film industry reflects broader societal changes, technological advancements, and shifting audience preferences. From silent films to streaming services, each era has left an indelible mark on cinematic storytelling. The film industry continues to adapt and evolve, embracing new technologies and distribution methods to provide audiences with captivating experiences. As we look forward to the future, it is clear that the film industry will continue to evolve, bringing us innovative narratives and immersive cinematic worlds.’
